42 thoughts on “Get My SuperBuddy”

  2. Ted,
    You need a good take-charge SF. Trade the rights to Nick Young to MN for the second pick and take Derrick Williams. The first team future line-up would then look like this:
    Wall-PG
    Crawford-SG
    Williams-SF
    Blatche-PF
    McGee-C

    That’s my take.

    Wild Bill

  3. Hello Mr. Leonsis,

    Thank you for taking on the majority ownership of the Wizards. I am confident that under your stewardship they will ultimately rise to the same high level of quality play we fans have come to expect and enjoy from our Capitals.

    I couldn’t help but notice when I was at the February 4th Orlando Magic game Friday night that Black History facts were being displayed on the large jumbotron. I’m not sure what sources the Wizards use, but in my day job I’m the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery at the Maryland State Archives so I have to pay attention a little bit about researching and finding/double checking facts. One of my uncle’s was also Alex Haley, author of ROOTS, so the pressure is often on me to be cognizant of any Black History facts or statements going out.

    I noticed that one of the statements on the big screen said that Congressman J.C. Watts was the African American statesman who gave the Republican response to the President’s State of the Union Address in 1966. I thought that sounded wrong but my iphone was not giving me good enough reception to check it on the spot. My suspicion was that JC Watts would have been very very young to have given any kind of address as I recalled him to be a relatively young man even now. Checking Wikipedia and other sources later that night, I found that former Congressman Watts was born in 1957. He did indeed give the Republican response to President Clinton’s address but that occurred on February 4, 1997. Since it was so early in the year, the decision might have been made in 1996, but no earlier.

    I know your daily concerns with the Wizards and Capital lay far above this matter, but as DC is a predominantly African American city it would not do the Wizards or their supporters any good to be known for communicating wrong information however well intended it might have been. I’ve also sent a comparable message to my seasons ticket holder representative, Tony Duffy, who has been an excellent representative of your organization, always providing me with prompt and accurate information. He said he will forward this to the appropriate department in the Wizards organization.

    I once used the internet to bring up daily Black facts to my staff at the Maryland State Archives to make sure we were always somewhat aware of Black History data that was being broadcast and checking that statements were right. I applaud you for doing this at the Wizards home games. If I can be of any help, please let me know.

    Onward and to multiple NBA championships and Stanley Cups.

    Thanks,
    Chris

    http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/nbh/2011/02/03-26/State-archivists-uncover-stories-of-slavery.html

    Thanks,
    Chris

  4. Ted;

    Ernie Grunfeld has been GM for 8 years. He has been making trades and having high draft choices most of the time. Who in your starting 5 would start on a playoff team? How many of his draft choices are making an impact or how many are even in the league? How is last years number 5 choice doing for the Wizards? How have the coaches he put in place done or is than directly related to the players he has selected? There must be someone better to select next years high pick and develop a plan.

  5. Hey Ted,

    I’m from way out on the West part of Canada (British Columbia), in 100 Mile House, BC. You had sent us a signed Cap’s jersey for our sports feilds fundraiser through Liz about 6 years ago that we will not forget. I follow the Caps regularly and only wish they could get out to Vancouver more often. But there’s hope yet as both the Canucks and the Caps are contenders and would be my dream match up.
    Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks again and trust all is well.

    Regards,

    Walter

  7. Dear Ted,
    Am seeing you in an interview just now, and it brings back memories of you and your children in my home years ago. I was doing portraits of your kids, and you were busy working at my table with your yellow legal pad writing away. You were just on the brink of AOL hitting the big time as I recall and it had been difficult to make time for this trip to my studio. So I looked for a way to contact you on the internet after listening to your interview. Your book on The Business of Happiness, which I just learned about today is on my list now to read. I appreciate the sentiment very much, and believe in making happiness a choice. I can see the joy in your face as you speak on the t.v. so I think you are good at taking your own advise! Please give my best to Lynn, and hope your children are doing well. Best regards, Carolyn Egeli

  9. Ted, I am writing from Montreal, QC. I wanted to let you know that as a young Greek Canadian you are a role model to us younger men. I have ordered your book from Chapters and can’t wait to read it and apply your principles into my business.

    Να είστε καλά και ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί, εσάς και την οικογένειά σας και να σας κρατήσει καλά.

    Dimitri

  10. Ted,

    I think there has been a Wizards disconnect for sometime.
    The Washington Bullets with their wonderful uniforms were
    changed to the Washington Wizards because the words “Bullets”
    upset Mr. Pollin. That said, it is strange that Steve Buckhantz uses the word “Dagger” when the Wizards close out a game.

    A bullet needs a gun in order to be lethal. A dagger doesn’t.
    Maybe we should have Steve say: Presto Changeo

    OR…lets go back to the: Washington Bullets.

    Take care, Ted. Glad you are in DC and a major figure in
    Washington sports.

  11. Hi Ted, Would just like to congratulate you on your good works. I saw you on C-SPAN last Sunday with Brian Lamb. Liked the part about Snag films & the Rape of Nanking. Tragic story. Looked at it on the pc also saw the film about tarawa, interesting Hope more can be done. I was in Truck lagoon in 1969 on a seabee team. It was a beautiful place. Also scarred by WW11. Keep up the good work. Thanks Frank Doyle

  12. Hi Ted,
    I hope all is well. Congratulations on your new ownership with the Wizards ……… Coach Patterson , nick name Coach Master P !!!!

  13. Ted…we own two B&N Nooks, not a Kindle…can we order your book soon for our NOOK????? Hope so! MJ Dorsey & Michael Crandell

  14. Ted,

    First, thanks for a great season and I think the Caps will benefit in the long run from the loss to Montreal. Similar thing happened to the Wayne Gretzky-led Edmonton team almost 30 years ago and they went on to win 4 Stanley Cups. Glad to see no hasty decisions have been made regarding the coaches or players. I think that Montreal’s upset doesn’t seem as monumental after seeing how hard they have pushed Pittsburgh in the next round. Keep up the great work and looking foward to next season!

  16. Mr. Leonsis,

    Congratulations to you and the Caps. My family really enjoys wacthing the boys play. we have three kids who play and it is nice to have role models for them to look up to.

    I am curious though, you have the number one team in the NHL and no one can listen to the game on the radio. Not even AM. The Nationals trump Capitals playoff coverage. The Nationals.

    I remember being in Philly and the Flyer games are on a main stream rock and roll station. The Flyers.

    It would be nice if we could listen to a game on the car radio on our way back home from practice or the post game show on our way home from a game.

    Thanks for considering.

    Ed Ehlers
    ehlerse@hotmail.com

  17. Hey Mr. Leonsis
    First I like to congratulate you on buying the Washington Wizards. As a fan I want to know your plans about turning the Wizards around I have a few comments you must fire Grunfeld while i like to talk to you in person i know your a very bust man but if you can call me at 571-723-6560 looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks
    Sincerly
    Anas Almechatt

  18. Mr. Leonsis,
    I will be departing for Iraq just prior to the end of this season. I will be gone for about a year so I won’t be atending any of the games at VC. I have been following the Caps since the Langway days when I came home from Active Duty and I would consider myself as a loyal fan of your team. The Caps are not available regularly on Armed Forces Network. Is there a way that you could make them available to military service people who are deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan. I don’t want to find out about our team winning the Cup by reading http://www.washingtonpost.com. I want to enjoy the action first hand or at least on a delayed basis.

    Please help!

    VR

    Merle DeLancey

  19. Ted,

    Help us Marylander’s out that have Verizon Fios…I’ve missed three games on TV now because of the Wizards and now the Terps BAsketball. We aren’t offered CSN+…

  20. Ted – my son played on the Wootton High School state championship hockey team last year. They are doing a fundraiser at Verizon Center on October 8, 2009 where they will be selling programs to raise money. Unfortunately for the team, unlike prior years, they are having difficulty getting $20 tickets to the game since the Caps have been playing at such a high level.

    Do you have any influence in this area so the boys can sell programs and then watch periods 2 and 3 of the game from inexpensive seats?

    Thanks in advance. I can be reached at BGreenfest@SantosPostal.com.

  22. Hello Ted,

    Really like this new goaltending coach, Dave was great and he is such a class act, family are important and I respect is decision. Mr. Irbe sounds so knowledgeable and bring that European flair and the ability to communicate in several language that will probably be so beneficial to our young goalies. I think it is also a great decision to have Jose has the starting goalie, he did get the team to the playoff and a division victory, his experience is so valuable and I think he was also a class act thru the play off with Varlamov, he was supportive and helpful to this young goalie even in his adverse position….
    I believe all players are humans and they will have their great ans not so great moment in their career.
    I would like you to know that you and the team have help my daughter and myself get through some really rough and devastating time in our lives and as long time fans we immersed ourselves in the game and the team, and helped us deal with our personal lives issues and created this incredible bond with my daughter. We can’t wait for the season to start.
    Hoping to meet you around the VC
    Thank you
    Sylvia

  23. Please buy DC United and keep them in the DC metro area by getting a stadium built.

  24. Ted,
    Help!!! The playoffs are on VS and not Comcast Sports Net. I dont get VS and its an upgrade I cant afford. Why the switch? I have watched 70 games and have been blessed to go to one at the Verizon Centre with 2 of my sons and my father. (Caps and Pens). The season is over for my sons and I since we cant watch it. What do we do now?

  25. Hi Ted,
    First off congrats on your season. As a gal form Boston who loves hockey I realize this year must have made you very proud.
    How does one find out more about snagfilms.com? I have a very big interest in film (I just moved here to Dc form LA where I worked in the entertianment industry) and was very curious about your “filmanthropy” and was looking for a way to get involved. Thank you for your time.

    Sincerely,
    Laura

  26. Hi Ted,

    I have been going to Caps games since the 70′s. (admittedly to see my Dad’s beloved Bruins). After spending the last five years overseas, I couldn’t wait to attend the opening game this season. It was a blast!!! You have put a great team together as well as making the game experience FANtastic. In addition, you are one of the great owners in professional sports and deserve praise and the winning team you’ve assembled. I could not be prouder as a Caps fan or more happy for an owner. Bask in the glory and continue to enjoy the season with the rest of us. God bless you for your vision and perserverance. I can’t wait until you can do the same for the Wizards.

  27. Ted,
    As a long time fan of the Capitals, I want to say what a great job you have done with the team. After being on this earth for 36 years, this is the first year I have ever wanted to and been able purchase season tickets, so today I bought them… Woohoo!!!! All I can say is thank you for giving DC the best sporting experience, and making Washington DC and the Metro area the new “Hockey Town”!!! We love the CAPS!!!!

  29. Dear Ted, I have noticed looking around the league that several teams now have cheerleaders; I’m wondering if you & the front office staff have any plans to bring that to your loyal fans here in Washington. Been a Caps fan since they came to town in the 70′s and live literally ten minutes from where the Cap Centre used to stand. Attended the draft that brought Alex O to town and couldn’t be happier that he’s become the best player in the league! Keep up the good work and one day…… soon…..you’ll be sporting the most treasured ring in all of professional sports. Sincerely, Couch

  30. Dear Ted,

    I have bee a hockey fan since the early 70s. I have never seen a more exciting team than the Caps, that you and George built for us. You made a promise to Caps fans and you more than kept it. We love you Ted.

    Thanks!!!

  31. Dear Mr. Leonsis,
    My wife and I are season ticket holders and we want you to know how much we appreciate all that you and your entire staff have done to make the CAPS a top notch organization. I do have one comment to make and it is in regard to the merchandise store in Verizon Center. I’m having the hardest time finding bumper stickers or magnets for our automobiles. I would love to advertise to all of Virginia and DC that we are CAPS crazy but so far no luck. I’m not a marketing/advertising guy but it seems to me there would be a lot of demand for some great CAPS bumper stickers. Thanks again for all you do. Randy and Sharon Hall

  32. I and my two sons are season ticket holders and when we come to see a game it is a 500 mile trip each way. I want to know when this team will get the two scoring right wings that are need for the first and second lines. Ticket holders pay a great deal of money and for me I am tired of the lame excuses about what this team needs to be competitive every night. All teams have to do is focus on are two best scores and they shut down the offense of both lines. With the right people to man the right wing for each line , our offense would increase because the other teams would have to play all three member on both lines. Your general manager loves to draft defenseman for which we now have more than can play and sign wingers that could not put a puck in the ocean. This attitude of not addressing the foward lines with quality wingers that can score is unacceptable. Iam tired of seeing muckers and grinders on the scoring lines.Do the loyal fans,for which I have been for the caps first year,and address this need. Also, if these goalies cannot not Play like number one’s then get one that can. These goalies seem to have a problem of stopping puck and are letting all the other players and coaches down. I want something done because I am tired of seeing this team continue to lose because you and the general mananger will not fix what is wrong. In tonights game the first two periods show the weakness of this team and it is very hard for me to watch them play on center ice. You have my emai address so I expect to hear back from you about my concerns.

  33. Hi Ted,
    I just want to take the time to say that it’s an honor to actually share my opinions with you and to actually talk to you. You and Pat Vanderbeek are the only 2 owners that actually care about the fans and what they think. I want to thank you for that. Now, for my opinion on the Capitals. Ted, you do know how to build an exciting team, and thanks to you, the Capitals are the most exciting team in Hockey. But I hate to tell you this Ted, but in my opinion, your team is far from perfect. Now, it’s time for me to tell you what I’d do if I were the GM of your Capitals!

    Goalie Zone
    Jose Theodore rejuvenated his career with a 2nd-half surge in Colorado last year! He is a huge up-grade from Cristobal Huet due to the fact that Theodore has the talent and potential to be one of the NHL’s top goalies, but he hasn’t shown enough consistency in the NHL. We’ll see how he does for the Capitals this season.
    Simeon Varlamov has promise, but he needs time to develope!
    Brent Johnson is a capable backup, but do you really want Johnson to be your #1 go-to guy between the pipes if (God forbid) Theodore goes down? I don’t! I’d trade Brent Johnson to the New York Islanders for Joey MacDonald!
    JDB’s Capitals Goalies
    JOEY MacDONALD
    JOSE THEODORE
    SIMEON VARLAMOV

    Defense
    No offense Ted, but this defense does not scare me. You need some toughness on your defense. Karl Alzner, John Carlson, Joe Finley (I like this kid), and Sami Lepisto provide hope for the future. Mike Green was a huge surprise last year, proving to be one of the best offensive defensemen in the game! Tyler Sloan is a gritty 2-way defenseman who is mysteriously stuck in Hershey. Tom Poti is a decent offensive defenseman. Jeff Schultz is a defensive defenseman with size to boot, but he’s soft and plays a passive game. Schultz needs to develop a mean streak! Brian Pothier is damaged goods. John Erskine, Milan Jurcina, and Shaone Morrisonn are big-time disapointments! I’d trade John Erskine to New Jersey for Vitaly Vishnevski, trade Brian Pothier to the New York Rangers for Darius Kasparaitis, and trade Milan Jurcina & Shaone Morrisonn to Ottawa for Matt Carkner & Anton Volchenkov!
    JDB’s Capitals Defense
    KARL ALZNER
    MATT CARKNER
    JOHN CARLSON
    JOE FINLEY
    MIKE GREEN
    DARIUS KASPARAITIS “A”
    SAMI LEPISTO
    TOM POTI
    JEFF SCHULTZ
    TYLER SLOAN
    VITALY VISHNEVSKI
    ANTON VOLCHENKOV

    Left Wingers
    Chris Bourque is undersized, but he’s a gritty kid who’s ready and eager to play in the NHL. Donald Brashear is the best fighter in pro hockey today who is the 1st to protect his teammates. Brashear is also pro hockey’s most underrated player with Mark Messier-like leadership to boot. So, why is Donald Brashear not the Captain of your Capitals Ted? Alexander Ovechkin may be the REAL “Next One” unlike Sidney Crosby. Brooks Laich did a good job last season for the Capitals, so let’s see if he can keep it up! Eric Fehr might loose “NHL Prospect” tag for “AHL Star” or “ECHL Superstar” label(s). Tomas Fleishmann and Quintin Laing are disapointing underachievers! I’d trade Quintin Laing to Toronto for Mark Bell and Tomas Fleischmann to Pittsburgh for Tyler Kennedy!
    JDB’s Capitals Left Wingers
    MARK BELL
    CHRIS BOURQUE
    DONALD BRASHEAR “C”
    ERIC FEHR
    TYLER KENNEDY
    BROOKS LAICH
    ALEXANDER OVECHKIN “A”

    Centers
    Nicklas Backstrom, Alexandre Giroux, Anton Gustafsson, and Kyle Wilson have great raw offensive skills and provide hope for the future! Michael Nylander is a master at winning faceoffs and when it comes to passing, he’s one of the best assist-men ever! Sergei Fedorov is a has-been, but at least he does provide a Stanley Cup winning veteran presence (I just hope you’re not over-paying this bum Ted). Keith Aucoin and David Steckle are worthless. I’d trade Keith Aucoin to Calgary for a conditional 2009 draft pick, then sign UFA Billy Tibbetts and trade David Steckle to Boston for Wacey Rabbit and (TRY TO GET OUT OF BOSTON) a conditional 2009 draft pick.
    JDB’s Capitals Centers
    NICKLAS BACKSTROM
    SERGEI FEDOROV
    ALEXANDRE GIROUX
    ANTON GUSTAFSSON
    MICHAEL NYLANDER
    WACEY RABBIT
    BILLY TIBBETTS
    KYLE WILSON

    Right Wingers
    Alexander Semin is a true-blue talent who can make something out of nothing in a hurry! Viktor Kozlov is a steady and reliable all-around forward who can play all 3 forward positions. Francois Bouchard is a star in the making who can provide hope for the future. Oskar Osala is doing OK for Blues Espoo (FHL), but how will he adjust to the NHL? Matt Bradley, Chris Clark, and Boyd Gordon are worthless. I’d trade Chris Clark to New Jersey for Michael Rupp, trade Matt Bradley & Boyd Gordon to Toronto for Jiri Tlusty, then sign UFA Pavel Brendl.
    JDB’s Capitals Right Wingers
    FRANCOIS BOUCHARD
    PAVEL BRENDL
    VIKTOR KOZLOV
    OSKAR OSALA
    MICHAEL RUPP
    ALEXANDER SEMIN
    JIRI TLUSTY

    Well Ted, thanks for your time and please tell me what you think by e-mailing me back? If your curious to know why I’d make these moves, I’ll be more than happy to tell you why. Thanks again Ted and God Bless You and your family!

    Joey Dylan Biase

    PS- Hardcore hockey fans are the best GMs! Just something to think about Ted, just incase you want to make history by hiring a hardcore hockey fan to be your GM of the Washington Capitals.

  34. Greetings Mr. Leonsis!

    It is an honor & pleasure to be able to communicate with you, sir.

    I am an avid filmmaker and am pleased as punch that you are a documentary film producer and getting into documentary film distribution too. This is a GREAT move for the film industry all over.

    I’ve been trying to promote your website to friends. Do your company participate in any film festivals wherein your documentary distribution site is promoted?

    I would love to speak with the appropriate person in speaking of your goals regarding this site.

    Best regards!
    Ros Mickens

  35. Ted, Belated congrats on a great season with the Caps. (I’ve been a critic in the past.) But a quick question: Are you the same fellow who wrote a book on IBM back in the early 1980′s? I was working as a business reporter in Boston…and vaguely remember it. Were you in Boston at that time? Were you at Lotus or Wang or some other firm up there? Just wondering. And continued good luck!

  36. Hi Ted. Although this season is just finished, I am eagerly looking forward to next season, hence, I decided to buy season tickets to a team who has been clsoe to me for a long lomng time now. We look like we will have a team that can contend for the cup next year, as long as the goaltender question is resolved….you know Marc-andre Fleury will be a restricted free agent….and with penguins having significant cap problems and 2 pretty good goalies to take his spot, that would be a great signing….

    regards

    Jan

  37. Ted: I am another “Lowell boy” – Lowell High, Lowell State (now UMass/Lowell), and retired Foreign Service Officer. My last overseas tour was at our Embassy in Beijing. When I first saw NANKING on TV, and then noticed YOUR name in the credits, I wondered if it could be the same Ted who is (also) from Lowell. Congratulations, Ted, on producing a hard-hitting story that begged to be on film. I have spent a lot of time in both Japan and China, your film is important to both.

    All the best …

  38. Ted,
    It makes me happy seeing you so successful. But I knew you would be. There is a magic about you. You have that deep down drive that I used to envy, but now use to charge me when I feel as though I do not have what it takes to reach my goals. You take lemons, make lemonade, sell it and then start selling lemonade franchises.
    Thanks!

  39. Mr. Leonsis

    I would like to thank you and the Washington Capitals organization for beeing such a class act. The video online and the thank you email I received as a ticket holder were very nice. (I do not believe other sports teams would have done that.)

    I am looking forward to next season. See you in October.

  40. Ted,

    I just wanted to congratulate you on a truly AWESOME Caps’ season. All the waiting has payed off and your young team is finally starting to mature. The core of this team is strong and I foresee some great years to come. Alex Ovechkin is the best and most exciting player in hockey period.
    I moved out of DC to NYC just prior to the playoffs after 15 years of being a Washingtonian and Caps’ fan. I will continue to route for you and the team from NY and wish you all the luck in the future.
    Thank you so much for your hard work in getting the Caps back on track and for your dedication to the best sport in the world. Also, thanks for proving that Washington can be a great hockey town because it has great fans! All the best!!!

    -Carlo

  41. Ted,
    I have been a Capitals fan since I was in third or fourth grade. I enjoyed watching those teams with Langway, Hunter, Gustefsen, Gartner, Courtnal, and Stevens. However, this year and especially since Bruce Boudreau was put in place I would have to say that this is the most exciting Caps team that I have ever watched. So much so that my wife, who hates sports, became a fan. I feel that last nights loss, while heart breaking, is only a temporary set back. For this young core that you and George McPhee have put together. I must commend both of you for doing an oustanding job and staying the course in building such an exciting team. If there were a guide published on how to rebuild a team you both should have several chapters dedicated to the exemplary job you guys did. Thank you for putting a team together that Capitals fans can enjoy and be proud of.

    Rob Martin
    Rockville, MD

  42. Ted, congratulations on a sensational year. You, the front office staff and Gabby & the boys have every reason to have your heads up — you made us proud. Thank you.